The Minn Kota Talon is a revolutionary shallow water anchor designed to provide unprecedented levels of boat control for anglers. It utilizes state-of-the-art technology and wireless control to accurately position a boat, allowing users to focus on fishing without worrying about drift.
Function Description
The Talon's primary function is to anchor a boat in shallow water using a deployable spike. It features an "Auto-Drive" system that automatically powers the spike into the bottom with three successive hits, using increasing force to ensure the anchor is properly seated. This system stops the boat with greater speed and precision. The anchor can be deployed and retracted wirelessly using a remote control or directly from the control panel on the unit.
Important Technical Specifications
The manual covers 12' and 10' models of the Talon.
- Remote Control: Uses a CR2032 lithium coin cell battery.
- Fuse: 30A in-line resettable fuse, located 6" from the positive battery terminal.
- Manual Retraction Tool: Requires a 7/16" socket and socket wrench.
- Spike Replacement Tools: Requires a 1/8" pin punch, hammer, and 2mm Allen wrench.
- Remote IDs: The Talon can store up to 10 remote IDs.
- Transmitter Model: 2994044
- IC: 4397A-T62TALON
- FCC ID: T62TALON
- Carrier Frequency: 433.92MHz
- RF Output Power: 87.07 dBuV/m measured at 3m, yielding an EIRP of -8 dBm (.15 milliWatts).
Usage Features
- Wireless Control: The Talon comes with two pre-programmed remotes, each with UP and DOWN buttons for deployment, retraction, and stopping.
- Deploy: Press the DOWN button twice within 1/2 second on the remote, or press the control panel's Auto DOWN button once.
- Retract: Press the UP button once on the remote or control panel.
- Stop: Press the UP button once or the DOWN button twice within 1/2 second.
- Auto-Drive: Automatically deploys the anchor with three successive hits of increasing force to ensure proper seating.
- Depth Indication: A high-visibility LED display on the control panel shows the deployed status, with one light for every two feet of deployment. The current depth indicator blinks while in motion until it reaches the next full increment.
- Wave Absorption: A built-in floating suspension allows the boat to move up and down without affecting the anchor, keeping the boat locked to the bottom even in rough water.
- Mode Functions:
- Standard Mode: No mode LED illuminated. Auto Deploy initiates a 3-hit sequence with maximum down-force power.
- Soft Bottom Mode: Green mode LED illuminated. Auto Deploy initiates a single hit sequence only, at reduced power. Recommended for calm conditions or muddy/soft sandy bottoms to prevent over-anchoring.
- Rough Water Mode: Red mode LED illuminated. Auto Deploy initiates a 3x3-hit sequence (repeated 3 times in 10-second intervals) with maximum down-force power.
- Deployment Notification Alarm: Emits a tone when the ignition key is turned to the ON position if the anchor is deployed, reminding the user to retract it to prevent damage. This alarm is required for warranty compliance.
- Retraction Notification Alarm: Sounds a series of three triple beeps if the lift motor's capacity is exceeded or retraction takes longer than 10 seconds. This can be due to soft/muddy bottoms, excessive side load, low battery power, or obstructions.
- Manual Retraction Procedure: In case of power failure or other issues, the Talon can be manually retracted using a 7/16" socket wrench. The manual retraction mode must be turned OFF after use by pressing the UP button on the control panel.
- Adapter Brackets: Various brackets are available for mounting the Talon to flat transoms, curved transoms, jack plates, or between the outboard and transom. Fully adjustable brackets allow for perfect orientation and secure locking.
- Accessories:
- Quick Release Handles (1810232): Allows for quick removal or height adjustment without tools.
- Quick Disconnect Plug (1810240): Facilitates easy removal and replacement for storage or security.
- 2 Button Remote Accessory (1810250): A replacement remote for single Talon use.
- 4 Button Remote Accessory (1810251): For controlling two Talons independently or simultaneously.
- Talon Tilt Bracket (1810222): Marine-grade, anodized aluminum bracket for low-clearance areas and boat storage, with adjustable deck support.
- Talon Cover (1810239): Durable, UV-resistant black vinyl cover for protection during trailering.
- Talon Foot Switch (1810256): Wireless, waterproof switch for easy spike deployment and retraction, controlling up to two Talons.
- Security Lock Kit/Adapter Bracket Lock (1810243): Custom stainless steel locks to protect against theft or tampering, opened with a unique cut key.
Maintenance Features
- Remote Battery Replacement: Instructions are provided for replacing the CR2032 lithium coin cell battery in the remote, emphasizing clean, dry, static-free hands.
- Cleaning the Unit: Minn Kota recommends rinsing the Talon after every use to minimize buildup.
- 30 Second Deep Water Rinse (Recommended): Deploy the Talon to full extension in water deeper than its capacity, place the main engine in idle gear, then retract.
- Extended Hose Rinse: Lay the Talon down, extend it fully (using a Talon Tilt Bracket accessory if available), thoroughly rinse all sections, then retract and return to the upright position.
- Spike Replacement: The spike has a lifetime guarantee with two years of labor covered. Instructions are provided for replacing the spike, which involves removing retainer pins and an isolator.
- Fuse Reset: Instructions for resetting the 30A in-line fuse, located 6" from the positive battery terminal, by pushing a breaker button and ensuring a watertight seal.
- Reinstallation Check: When reinstalling the Talon, it's important to check the tension of the four vertical adjustment nuts after initial use and periodically thereafter, ensuring they maintain the recommended torque of 30 ft-lb.